Schools ramping up for the new year

Teachers (front row, from left) Sheena Slate, Sandy Cave, and Becky McMillian are among those doing in-service training at Millennium Charter Academy. The school officially opens its doors to students on Wednesday.

As another school year is about to begin students, parents and school systems are gearing everyone towards a successful year.

Millennium Charter Academy (MCA) is hosting a ‘Welcome Back Day’ today. All rising kindergarten students and their families are invited to a play date on the school playground from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Then from 10:30 a.m. until noon, the school is having an open house for all grades. Directly afterward food and festivities will be served with the MPACT (Millennium Parents and Concerned Teachers) group providing the refreshments.

The school sent emails and Facebook messages to parents, students and staff regarding the day’s events. Also the school event calender on the website lists any upcoming events. High schools students even received notification through Twitter.

Laptops will be assigned to students in grade levels 7-10 throughout the open house.

Also, MCA held a week-long staff development to ‘Light the Fire’ in teachers to help inspire and motive them. “We hope that inspiring our teachers will inspire our students,” said Lu Ann Browne, director of development.

Claire Wilkerson, a fifth grade teacher, said that “I think this is one of the best staff development sessions we’ve ever had. Even though our school is growing and we’ve added 14 new staff members this year, our staff development has brought a real cohesiveness for everyone.”

Millennium Charter Academy first day back for students is Wednesday.

Surry County schools reached out to parents via Alert Now, a phone messaging system, with general information for open houses, where parents can find the school supply list as well as directing both students and parents to the school website.

North Surry held a freshmen orientation earlier this week for rising freshmen to explore the school, eat dinner and partake of activities to encourage school spirit. “We really wanted to instill North Surry pride into our freshmen,” said Sonia Dickerson, director of communications.

Convocation is being held for the county schools to welcome back staff members Aug. 20 at Pilot Mount Middle School at 9:30 a.m..

The first day of school for students in the county district will be August 24.

Mount Airy City Schools have been preparing for students coming in the next few weeks as well. The schools have opened their doors for students to visit over the summer.

B.H. Tharrington has been preparing for the new Language Leaders Program. Student’s schedules are being prepared for the arrival of students.

The arts programs and STEAM initiatives are getting up and running. Fall sports are preparing for the upcoming season. Principals are encouraging students to come excited to learn and be involved in the menu of after school options available.

Parents and students have also been phoned to alert them to the school open house dates and the official start date for the schools.

Convocation is being held for the city schools to welcome back staff members Aug. 18 at Mount Airy High School at 8 a.m..

The first day of school for city students will be Aug. 24.

The school supply lists can be found at each individual school district website. Also, all dates and events are record on each school calender, also found the website listed below.

Surry County Schools: www.surry.k12.nc.us

Mount Airy City Schools: www.mtairy.k12.nc.us

Millenium Charter Academy: www.mcacademy.com

Teachers (front row, from left) Sheena Slate, Sandy Cave, and Becky McMillian are among those doing in-service training at Millennium Charter Academy. The school officially opens its doors to students on Wednesday.

http://www.mtairynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_Staff-Dev.jpgTeachers (front row, from left) Sheena Slate, Sandy Cave, and Becky McMillian are among those doing in-service training at Millennium Charter Academy. The school officially opens its doors to students on Wednesday.